Zakyu: What shall I say today?
Muslima: Good-bye!
Zakyu: (mockingly) We are so sad to see you go-
Muslima: Just do the disclaimer!
Zakyu: By God, you people know it. we don't own any of the characters. Only the places and people NOT mentioned by Tamora Pierce belong to Muslima.
Chapter 12 ____________________________________________________________________________ _____
In the morning of the funeral, the place was unbearably somber. During breakfast, Lark broke down as she said thanks-recovering fully when Lionel stood up to offer a handkerchief. Briar clutched his teeth and Sandry spotted Daja clasping her red band.
I hate this... Daja unknowingly thought to Sandry, clipped, quiet words said in full passion.
Sandry gazed back at Daja with dark eyes, catching her attention. I hate it too. Sandry said, telling Daja she was not alone.
Tris? Daja asked Sandry after a moment, uncharacteristically concerned.
Sandry eyes flickered; face-indifferent, those eyes-a shaded abyss with walls. Lark finish the prayer in a broken voice; Sandry picked up her fork carefully, noting how little and slowly things were being eaten, noting how no one urged Tris or Rosethorn to pick their forks-noting how Tris starred blindly at the table. She is being brave, thought Sandry as she bit her tongue trying to distract the grief that was threatening her. Bad, just like us. she finally said.
**************************************************************************** *****
Later, Funeral
For Tris the whole day was like a dream-no a nightmare. In her numbness she didn't notice Briar's cool manner which spoke icy politeness. She went through her motions, her face not betraying a thing and kept telling herself 'Don't brake down, be brave, be strong.'
Over and over, 'Don't brake down, be brave...be strong...' Like a haunting song pulsing with her very blood. 'Just wait till night, you'll than be able to cry.'
"Not a tear from his redhead student-I've hear she's a bitter-hearted one..." gossiped a high mage who thought very well of herself.
Briar looked for the familiar wiry curls-what he saw panged his heart; Coppercurls, he thought with passionate sadness, seeing her apathy that was so blind to others, how I wish I could help you.
The flames that consumed Niko's corpse degreed into the sky like increase stinging onlookers' eyes.
~~~
Briar looked down on the now sleeping Tris. She had softy cried herself to sleep. He had hear everything-and felt. With every silent tear it was like a stab in the heart for him.
When she was awake he didn't dare try to comfort her. She would be ashamed and mostly likely flare up at anyone that saw her in such a weaken state. There were many things in which Tris had changed in and there were the essential things in her character that didn't change at all.
How she looked! So innocent and almost-frail. Like a child wanting to be loved... Briar shook his head. This was wishful thinking. Coppercurls had Lionel for-he couldn't even think it.
Softy, he closed his eyes, breathing in her scent and white sheets and lended over Tris's side and over her bare neck and slowly yet tenderly brushed his skin against a dry tear on her cheek, was infinitely more gentle than any kiss.
Later Tris would dwell on it-What was that feeling? So pleasant? For at that moment when Briar had touched her, exquisite on her skin, she remembered smiling-the dreaded burden of that corpse of a hand, grief, had let go of her heart.
With a start, Briar realized what he was doing; his lips stung pleasantly being against her soft skin. Could something that felt so right be so wrong? But he brushed that thought away.
He started to go-his heart stopped. Did he imagine it? Of course I did, that's the problem, he thought. Because for a moment a thread of wind formed-and he swore he felt-lips brush against his cheek... Where a dry tear had been.
**************************************************************************** *****
Later in the middle of the night
Daja was sleeping soundly, when someone shook her awake. "Gods," a familiar voice cursed, "she sleeps like a log."
Daja filled sudden energy snapped her dark eyes open, now very aware of herself. "Forgive me, I was only trying to sleep while it was night," she said, noting that it was still night by the shadows and the quality of light in the room in the room.
"Forgiven," said Lionel shortly. "Did you forget we are sneaking to the temple of Musya tonight, darling?" He flashed a smile, bright and charming in the dark.
**************************************************************************** *****
Temple of Musya
"Are you sure about this?" asked Daja, unwillingly sounding anxious.
Lionel nodded. "I know an old comrade from the streets. He became a Warrior Monk here." He turned a corner, not looking.
An old comrade from the streets, thought Sandry. A lie of course! Probably an noble with power, met at a party.
Briar saw something from the corner of his eye. Instinctively, he grabbed the two closet people, Daja and Sandry, and pulled them into the shadows.
Suddenly a uniformed Keeper stepped out of the shadows, blocking their way. "You two, there. Why are you wandering around?"
Carelessly Lionel draped his arm around Tris's shoulders and drew her close. "The lady is morning. I came to comfort her and..." he spoke meaningfully, "we lost our way."
Briar in the shadow of a door gripped his hand-with anger.
The Keeper shamelessly starred at Tris, as if measuring her. Seemingly not to noticing her burning face and how she had stiffed in fury, biting back they urge to hurt a certain someone very, very badly... The Keeper smiled a handsome grin but the haughtiness made it ugly, as if Tris seemed worthy of his attention. Then he was suddenly brought back to reality.
He spoke to Lionel, his voice holding an edge. "Keep going down the hall than turn left at the corridor."
"Thank you, sir," Lionel said as he turned to go.
The Keeper turned his back. At that split moment, Lionel with unbelievable swiftness, tripped the Keeper who fell and solidly landed on his head. He was unconscious. Sandry released a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
_________________________________________________________________________
R2R
Muslima's Note: Are you guys getting the story? Is there a certain way or idea you want the story to end? Have anything in mind? Please point out my weaknesses so I can do this better. It's all about YOU. Your thoughts and ideas have major weight on the outcome. Do you like Lionel? Or do you want him to rot in hell? Do you think the story centers around Tris too much and want more Lark, Rosethorn, Sandry or Daja??? Do you have any ideas about the hints I've given?
Jishoshojo~LOLz! I am so happy your enjoying it! WOW, thanx so much for the great compliment-I am really flatter ^__^ you don't know how you warmed up my day. *daydreaming* *.*!!! Lady Sandrilene~ I've seen your new fic, it's great! I hope you continue (or you might have already continued). Don't hate me for letting this chapter out so late-I had switch the stories on different computers. So how are ya? Hope you like the chappie! Storm Mage~You guys are just great boosters! Thanx sssssoooo muchie!!! Clearbrook~Thanx! *__* I miss you so much. I can't wait for the Harry Potter book and the Ella Enchanted movie. I hope you've updated. I'll check up on your stories. How R U? EloraCooper4~Thanx ever so much. I hated myself for the last chapter. I was so glad you like it. Did you know you're my 100th reviewer! That's so kool! Did you think I did any mistakes-feel free to point them out. I hope you updated your story, I am going to check it out after this. ^_* No pressure. Priestess of the Storm~Did you like the fluff? I am trying to embrace the fluffy thing. Are you getting the story or are you confused? Please tell me! stargirl2004~Thank God you didn't kill me for the last chapter. Silverwitch~You have Awesome stories on your favorite lists. They're really interesting. rosemary faerie~Great fic- 'American Beauty'. I hope you continue with it. I like how your main character is very open, unlike myself but somewhat like my seemingly carefree mother.
Deirdre of the grey kingdom~WOW. Thanx ssooo much for the review, I am thrilled you like it. If it wasn't for you I might haven't gotten this chapter done because I started this chapter on the day of your review. Thanx so much...
Muslima: Good-bye!
Zakyu: (mockingly) We are so sad to see you go-
Muslima: Just do the disclaimer!
Zakyu: By God, you people know it. we don't own any of the characters. Only the places and people NOT mentioned by Tamora Pierce belong to Muslima.
Chapter 12 ____________________________________________________________________________ _____
In the morning of the funeral, the place was unbearably somber. During breakfast, Lark broke down as she said thanks-recovering fully when Lionel stood up to offer a handkerchief. Briar clutched his teeth and Sandry spotted Daja clasping her red band.
I hate this... Daja unknowingly thought to Sandry, clipped, quiet words said in full passion.
Sandry gazed back at Daja with dark eyes, catching her attention. I hate it too. Sandry said, telling Daja she was not alone.
Tris? Daja asked Sandry after a moment, uncharacteristically concerned.
Sandry eyes flickered; face-indifferent, those eyes-a shaded abyss with walls. Lark finish the prayer in a broken voice; Sandry picked up her fork carefully, noting how little and slowly things were being eaten, noting how no one urged Tris or Rosethorn to pick their forks-noting how Tris starred blindly at the table. She is being brave, thought Sandry as she bit her tongue trying to distract the grief that was threatening her. Bad, just like us. she finally said.
**************************************************************************** *****
Later, Funeral
For Tris the whole day was like a dream-no a nightmare. In her numbness she didn't notice Briar's cool manner which spoke icy politeness. She went through her motions, her face not betraying a thing and kept telling herself 'Don't brake down, be brave, be strong.'
Over and over, 'Don't brake down, be brave...be strong...' Like a haunting song pulsing with her very blood. 'Just wait till night, you'll than be able to cry.'
"Not a tear from his redhead student-I've hear she's a bitter-hearted one..." gossiped a high mage who thought very well of herself.
Briar looked for the familiar wiry curls-what he saw panged his heart; Coppercurls, he thought with passionate sadness, seeing her apathy that was so blind to others, how I wish I could help you.
The flames that consumed Niko's corpse degreed into the sky like increase stinging onlookers' eyes.
~~~
Briar looked down on the now sleeping Tris. She had softy cried herself to sleep. He had hear everything-and felt. With every silent tear it was like a stab in the heart for him.
When she was awake he didn't dare try to comfort her. She would be ashamed and mostly likely flare up at anyone that saw her in such a weaken state. There were many things in which Tris had changed in and there were the essential things in her character that didn't change at all.
How she looked! So innocent and almost-frail. Like a child wanting to be loved... Briar shook his head. This was wishful thinking. Coppercurls had Lionel for-he couldn't even think it.
Softy, he closed his eyes, breathing in her scent and white sheets and lended over Tris's side and over her bare neck and slowly yet tenderly brushed his skin against a dry tear on her cheek, was infinitely more gentle than any kiss.
Later Tris would dwell on it-What was that feeling? So pleasant? For at that moment when Briar had touched her, exquisite on her skin, she remembered smiling-the dreaded burden of that corpse of a hand, grief, had let go of her heart.
With a start, Briar realized what he was doing; his lips stung pleasantly being against her soft skin. Could something that felt so right be so wrong? But he brushed that thought away.
He started to go-his heart stopped. Did he imagine it? Of course I did, that's the problem, he thought. Because for a moment a thread of wind formed-and he swore he felt-lips brush against his cheek... Where a dry tear had been.
**************************************************************************** *****
Later in the middle of the night
Daja was sleeping soundly, when someone shook her awake. "Gods," a familiar voice cursed, "she sleeps like a log."
Daja filled sudden energy snapped her dark eyes open, now very aware of herself. "Forgive me, I was only trying to sleep while it was night," she said, noting that it was still night by the shadows and the quality of light in the room in the room.
"Forgiven," said Lionel shortly. "Did you forget we are sneaking to the temple of Musya tonight, darling?" He flashed a smile, bright and charming in the dark.
**************************************************************************** *****
Temple of Musya
"Are you sure about this?" asked Daja, unwillingly sounding anxious.
Lionel nodded. "I know an old comrade from the streets. He became a Warrior Monk here." He turned a corner, not looking.
An old comrade from the streets, thought Sandry. A lie of course! Probably an noble with power, met at a party.
Briar saw something from the corner of his eye. Instinctively, he grabbed the two closet people, Daja and Sandry, and pulled them into the shadows.
Suddenly a uniformed Keeper stepped out of the shadows, blocking their way. "You two, there. Why are you wandering around?"
Carelessly Lionel draped his arm around Tris's shoulders and drew her close. "The lady is morning. I came to comfort her and..." he spoke meaningfully, "we lost our way."
Briar in the shadow of a door gripped his hand-with anger.
The Keeper shamelessly starred at Tris, as if measuring her. Seemingly not to noticing her burning face and how she had stiffed in fury, biting back they urge to hurt a certain someone very, very badly... The Keeper smiled a handsome grin but the haughtiness made it ugly, as if Tris seemed worthy of his attention. Then he was suddenly brought back to reality.
He spoke to Lionel, his voice holding an edge. "Keep going down the hall than turn left at the corridor."
"Thank you, sir," Lionel said as he turned to go.
The Keeper turned his back. At that split moment, Lionel with unbelievable swiftness, tripped the Keeper who fell and solidly landed on his head. He was unconscious. Sandry released a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
_________________________________________________________________________
R2R
Muslima's Note: Are you guys getting the story? Is there a certain way or idea you want the story to end? Have anything in mind? Please point out my weaknesses so I can do this better. It's all about YOU. Your thoughts and ideas have major weight on the outcome. Do you like Lionel? Or do you want him to rot in hell? Do you think the story centers around Tris too much and want more Lark, Rosethorn, Sandry or Daja??? Do you have any ideas about the hints I've given?
Jishoshojo~LOLz! I am so happy your enjoying it! WOW, thanx so much for the great compliment-I am really flatter ^__^ you don't know how you warmed up my day. *daydreaming* *.*!!! Lady Sandrilene~ I've seen your new fic, it's great! I hope you continue (or you might have already continued). Don't hate me for letting this chapter out so late-I had switch the stories on different computers. So how are ya? Hope you like the chappie! Storm Mage~You guys are just great boosters! Thanx sssssoooo muchie!!! Clearbrook~Thanx! *__* I miss you so much. I can't wait for the Harry Potter book and the Ella Enchanted movie. I hope you've updated. I'll check up on your stories. How R U? EloraCooper4~Thanx ever so much. I hated myself for the last chapter. I was so glad you like it. Did you know you're my 100th reviewer! That's so kool! Did you think I did any mistakes-feel free to point them out. I hope you updated your story, I am going to check it out after this. ^_* No pressure. Priestess of the Storm~Did you like the fluff? I am trying to embrace the fluffy thing. Are you getting the story or are you confused? Please tell me! stargirl2004~Thank God you didn't kill me for the last chapter. Silverwitch~You have Awesome stories on your favorite lists. They're really interesting. rosemary faerie~Great fic- 'American Beauty'. I hope you continue with it. I like how your main character is very open, unlike myself but somewhat like my seemingly carefree mother.
Deirdre of the grey kingdom~WOW. Thanx ssooo much for the review, I am thrilled you like it. If it wasn't for you I might haven't gotten this chapter done because I started this chapter on the day of your review. Thanx so much...